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Alright, anthropologists. While I haven't read the entirety of That Book on Repatriation that's making the rounds, I have read the last paragraph of each chapter. Hoo boy, I did not expect it to be *this bad*. Screenshots follow... https://upf.com/book.asp?id=9781683401575
For the introduction, I'll highlight this endnote. This is not how the majority of anthropologists use the term "race."
Chapter 1: Paleoindians; The Understudied Individuals
In which we get the authors' assertion that Science Conquers All for the first time.
In which we get the authors' assertion that Science Conquers All for the first time.
Chapter 2: North American Mummies; Lost Opportunities.
One of the more anodyne chapters, but the conversation on display of remains is FAR beyond "display with dignity." Yikes.
One of the more anodyne chapters, but the conversation on display of remains is FAR beyond "display with dignity." Yikes.
Chapter 3: Biological Relationships; Missing Links.
Or, the first time I gasped at the conclusion.
Or, the first time I gasped at the conclusion.
Chapter 4: Reconstructing the Past; Correcting Fallacies.
Second gasp at 'anthropologists can tell their "real" stories'. This is absolute colonialist/white supremacy and I can't believe a 21st century anthropologist wrote it.
Second gasp at 'anthropologists can tell their "real" stories'. This is absolute colonialist/white supremacy and I can't believe a 21st century anthropologist wrote it.
Chapter 5: NAGPRA and Beyond.
This conclusion mostly just confuses me, TBH, and seems focused on major NAGPRA cases and not the day-to-day utility of the law.
This conclusion mostly just confuses me, TBH, and seems focused on major NAGPRA cases and not the day-to-day utility of the law.
Chapter 6: Other Repatriation Movements in the US.
In which they come right out and say repatriation is an "ideology" that they sneer at.
In which they come right out and say repatriation is an "ideology" that they sneer at.
Chapter 7: Reburial, Religion, and Race.
Just... no.
Just... no.
Chapter 8: Oral Tradition as Evidence for Repatriation.
This is getting worse and worse. I am actively cringing for them now.
This is getting worse and worse. I am actively cringing for them now.
Chapter 9: Indian Treatment of the Human Body.
More on "repatriationists" and... attempts to show NAGPRA is unconstitutional or something?
More on "repatriationists" and... attempts to show NAGPRA is unconstitutional or something?
Chapter 10: Repatriation and the End to Scientific Freedom.
This is a long, rambling conclusion, so here are the first and last lines of it.
This is a long, rambling conclusion, so here are the first and last lines of it.
Conclusion chapter.
Where the authors bring their pro-scientism argument home.
Where the authors bring their pro-scientism argument home.
Apologies for being unable to thread posts today. But wanted to get some examples from the book out there to counter the idea that people who haven't read it are misunderstanding it. In fact, it's very clear throughout what the authors' aim is: undermining Indigenous rights.
Do also go read comments on this by @Cult_Archaeo, @Northernsirena, and @ArchaeoMapper. The original tweet I saw on this book was from @UVicAnthro.
Oh shoot I forgot to link @ValerieBonduraâs amazing thread! https://twitter.com/valeriebondura/status/1339182652725878785
Currently enjoying the couple reviews I found of Weiss's 2008 book -- which the 2020 book is essentially a rehashing of -- because they're amazing:
Soren Blau in J of Archaeo Science: "Weiss is dogmatic about her point of view but argues it in a simplistic, often naĂŻve and derogatory manner ...
... Despite advocating a strict empirical approach, Weiss demonstrates a significant lack of rigour in attempting to discuss the effects of repatriation and reburial on scientific inquiry...
... Weiss concludes by asking âcan we [Native Americans and anthropologists] get along?â (p. 92). I would suggest texts such as this do nothing to assist that partnership." https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030544031000350X
And in Museum Anthropology, Tamara Bray starts with: "This book is, without doubt, the most shallow, poorly written, and deliberately insulting pieces of work I have ever read by a fellow academic. In it, you will learn nothing new about the topic of repatriation or reburial."
"Most of the sources referenced, such as they are, comprise websites, insubstantial newsletter pieces, or preâdate 2004. ... There is, however, much invective, allusion to rightâwing conspiracy, and speculation on the âscaryâ future of anthropology."
"The attitude projected throughout this book is one of selfârighteousness, lack of critical awareness, and contempt for different worldviewsâall features unbecoming of an anthropologist and an educator."
Here's the link to the Bray review: https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1548-1379.2010.01108_1.x
In sum, Weiss published a similar book in 2008 with Nova Science Publishers (a borderline sketchy outlet accused of not doing peer review). After scathing reviews, she's back with a book that is apparently enough changed that she got a real academic press to publish it.
Weiss has been pushing this racist ideology for years, and it's time to stop giving her legitimate platforms to spread it.
In case anyone was wondering about the UPF/UFP editor, here are Weiss's acknowledgments in the book.
I got this email today too. 
https://twitter.com/archhelmer/status/1340115225442308097
https://twitter.com/archhelmer/status/1340115225442308097
Fun fact: Elizabeth Weiss was Philippe Rushton's third wife. âŠhttp://link-springer-com-443.webvpn.fjmu.edu.cn/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-16999-6_2185-1
For those in #anthropology and beyond who are interested in signing an open letter about the problems with 'Repatriation and Erasing the Past' and UPF's publication of it, please see the Google Forms link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl44V3125po-vz9oX6wp5I8evKk0ECxTAKhJ2kvSBUpOhn9A/viewform?usp=sf_link
And you can see the current signatories and the letter at this Google Docs link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VUMbxQEkZaP_WYW0nz5VAWS5Cuz0W3YZYjBYwXlmlPg/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VUMbxQEkZaP_WYW0nz5VAWS5Cuz0W3YZYjBYwXlmlPg/edit?usp=sharing
